iCloud Sync

Drafts 4 uses Apple's CloudKit, part of iCloud, to sync and backup drafts, drafts version histories, actions and keyboard extensions.

CloudKit is a fast, reliable and private way for apps to store data using your existing iCloud account, and is the same technology which is uses by many of Apple's own apps and services.

If you are logged into iCloud on your device, iCloud sync will automatically be enabled when you launch drafts. It is highly recommended you keep iCloud sync enabled, even if you only use Drafts on a single device. With it enabled, your data is safely backed up and will be restored if you ever need to restore the device, or delete and re-install Drafts.

iCloud data is stored in your iCloud account's private data stores, and no one other than you has access to this data. Privacy is important to us, and we believe in Apple's commitment to privacy – which was important in our selection of CloudKit.

CloudKit is not the same as iCloud Drive. Part of the simplicity of Drafts is the removal of barriers like file names and folder selection, so drafts are not stored files. Drafts can be exported to files in iCloud Drive via dedication iCloud Drive actions or export, but sync is not two-way with a file system.

If you are not logged into iCloud, or do not wish to use sync, you can disable iCloud sync in Settings > iCloud.

The Settings > iCloud screen also has options to temporarily pause/resume sync. This should rarely be needed, but if you wish to disable sync for a session to avoid network use, you can pause it here.

There is also a "Reset Cloud Data" option which should only be used if you are sure you wish to completely and permanently remove all data Drafts has stored in iCloud. This cannot be undone.

Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot iCloud sync in Drafts 4, review the following:

Update Drafts and iOS to the latest versions.

Confirm that both devices are logged into the same iCloud account in iOS Settings > iCloud.

Confirm that iCloud Drive is On, and Drafts has been allowed permission to use iCloud Drive in iOS Settings > iCloud > iCloud Drive.

Confirm that iCloud sync is started in Drafts on both devices in Drafts Settings > iCloud.

Try to reboot both devices, when connected to a good network (Wifi), relaunch Drafts.

Create a new draft and see if it syncs between devices.

If sync continues to lag or not appear to sync properly, please do the following:

In Drafts, go to Settings > iCloud.

Tap the "Start Logging" button. This will have the app start logging the sync process. No personal information will be contained in this log, only information about the sync process itself.

Run the app for a while, doing things that should normally generate sync, such as editing and creating drafts.

Return to Settings > iCloud and tap the "Send Log" button to send the log to our support for review.

Tap "Stop Logging".

This information should help use provide more detailed review of issues with sync that may be occurring on your device.